Chapter 7

Fate vs. Free Will

“We will do what others expect of us,” Wes said. “If they expect us to graduate, we will graduate […] If they expect us to go to jail, then that’s where we will end up too. At some point you lose control.” I sympathized with him, but I recoiled from his ability to shed responsibility seamlessly and drape it at the feet of others.” Pg. 126

This quote demonstrates that although fate may be an aspect in shaping lives, individual free will can change the future. The second Wes emphasizes the role of mentors, arguing that each person is affected by those around them, and learn from those around them, making everybody a product of the people who have influenced them. Conversely, the first Wes is shocked by this, and does not believe that others should be blamed or accredited completely for the successes or failures of another. This demonstrates that at many points, humans are offered little choice when it comes to who plays a role in shaping their lives, as family cannot be chosen; however, at the same time, each person is responsible for taking charge of their lives and making the ultimate decisions regarding their own personal futures and decisions as to who they wish to be.

The Future

“ The notion that life is transient, that it can come and go quickly, unexpectedly, had been with me since I had seen my own father die. In the Bronx, the idea of life’s impermanence underlined everything for kids my age- it drove some of us to a paralyzing apathy, stopped us from even thinking too far into the future. “ Pg. 133

As shown by the above quote, the future is an intimidating idea to many. As the author states, many kids living in the Bronx, where he spent much of his childhood, tried to avoid thinking and acting based upon what they believed would take place in the future.  Growing up around neighborhoods where death may be common due to poverty or crime clearly took a toll on the youngsters, and almost made a successful future seem out of the question for them. Consequently, giving little thought to the future, many children who grew up in harsher conditions had a harder time planning a better one for themselves, only trapping themselves where they are.

Drugs

“The sight of her coming off her high, stumbling to the bathroom, disgusted Wes. He saw this every day. The people who would line up around the corner for drugs. The people who would do anything to score. “ Pg. 138

The second Wes is clearly rattled by the fact that the mother of his two children is a drug addict, demonstrating both the toll drugs take on individuals, but the effects that carry over to their loved ones and those surrounding them. Moore speaks of the other people who would line up for drugs, illustrating that drug addiction was both widespread and difficult to overcome, showing that such substances could destroy individuals. Further, Wes is emotionally torn up by the fact that his wife is an addict, and that she is raising their children. This illustrates the fact that not only the addict is affected, as Wes must also go through the low’s included in drug addiction, and his children are brought up in an environment that many may deem unfit. Because of the influence of their parents, Wes’s children may only partake in such activities when they grow up, again, creating a cycle of poverty and crime.

“His shoulders slumped, his eyes downward. “I’m done man,” he said. “I want to get out. Do something different with my life. But I’m not sure what[…] I’m tired to running these streets.” Pg. 138

Similar to above, this quote demonstrates the destructive nature of drugs, but also goes into the fact that many wish to escape the game and may regret previous decisions to get involved. Wes is unsure as to what the rest of his life will hold for him; however, at this point in the story he is convinced that he must get out of the drug game and create a better life for himself and his family. Wes clearly sees that being involved with drugs has prevented him from making an honest living for his family, and that his wife’s addiction will eventually take a toll on his children.

Poverty

“He worked ten hours a day and came home with barely enough energy to play with his kids and barely enough money to feed and clothe them.” Pg. 144

A sad truth is revealed through this quote, regarding the process of leaving the drug game and living in poverty. Although Wes was serious about leaving drugs behind and getting another job, he only struggled financially and was unable to support his family. As a low-wage worker, he worked long hours for little profit, demonstrating the unfairness of the situation, and the difficulty of living in poverty. As seen later in the chapter, Wes returns to the drug game as he is unable to live of off working honestly. This shows the injustice of the world, and that in some cases, honesty and hard work may not be able to pull through, especially later in life when an education seems to not be a possibility. The story of Wes could be similar to that of others, and shows the difficulty of escaping poverty.

Title Justification Essay #2: Choices and Second Chances

Encompassing the teenage years of both Wes Moores, the chapters “Marking Territory”, “ Lost”, and “Hunted” from Wes Moore’s The Other Wes Moore, mark the transformations of both men into their future lives based on the choices they make and opportunities given. Entitled “Choices and Second Chances,” Wes Moore has appropriately named his second collection of chapters to align with his purpose of illustrating the importance of the decisions each person makes in shaping their own lives.  Faced with many choices and even second chances in their lives, both Wes Moores made major decisions in this section, their lives transforming into what they currently may resemble.

Wes Moore effectively includes many examples to show the consequences and importance of the decisions the two Wes Moores make, showing a correlation between the title of the section and the chapters.  As the author himself stated, “These forks in the road can happen so fast for young boys; within months or even weeks, their journeys can take a decisive and possible irrevocable turn.” (Pg. 95) Moore clearly emphasizes that in a person’s life, everything can change rapidly due to decisions made, and oftentimes, it is not possible to return to old ways.  Further demonstrated is the importance in making the right choices and thinking through decisions.  The author, Wes, began to contemplate his decisions, saying “I thought about my mother and how she would feel if this escalated any further. I thought about my father and the name he chose for me.” Pg. 121 Here it is possible to see the choice to not only think of your own future, but that of those you love as well.  In addition, both Wes Moores are offered second chances in their experiences, yet the difference comes in what they chose to do with such chances. The second Wes’s brother, Tony, warning him several times not to get into the drug game, stating that “if you won’t listen, that’s on you. You have potential to do so much more….” Ignoring such warnings, the second Wes only gets deeper into the drug game, and eventually, to the point of no return. Meanwhile, the first Wes learned to embrace military school and honor the sacrifices his family made for him, to better his life.

By appropriately aligning the section title to the chapters, Wes Moore is able to demonstrate that each individual person will be faced with difficult choices in life, which will shape the person they are. The decisions of the two Wes Moores clearly altered their futures, one becoming a successful writer (among other professions), while the other ended up in jail. The actions of both of the men were decisive in determining their futures, making the title “choices and second chances” a strong fit for this section of the lives of the two Wes Moores. 

Chapter 6

Importance of Education

“Not surprisingly, without a high school diploma or job training-and with a criminal record- Wes found it almost impossible to find a job to support his growing family.” Pg. 110

This quote demonstrates the importance of education in order to be able to succeed and support the lives of loved ones. As demonstrated above, the second Wes Moore was unable to find employment due to his lack of a proper education, lack of training, and criminal past. Wes’s inability to support his family reveals the consequences and terrible futures that many people may have should they not obtain an education, which in the modern world, has become necessary to find employment.

Drugs

“This was the crew. They would work together, fight together, stay together. An unbreakable bond united the crew- for many members, it was the only support system they had. It was family.” Pg. 111

This quote illustrates the fact that although the young boys are working in dealing illegal substances, they also feel belonging in their respective crews, and may not have other support systems outside of this, and are searching for a place to belong. As explained by the author, many young boys turned to drugs as a way to make money, or to make friends and gain respect. The tragedy of the above scenario is that these young boys have no other mentors to turn to, and no other family they feel they can trust besides their fellow gang members.

“…the drug game was raw capitalism on overdrive with bullets, a pyramid scheme whose base was dead bodies and ruined lives.” Pg 112

Wes Moore bleakly describes the hierarchy of the drug game, revealing that although at some point people may make money, in the long run they will be ruined by their actions. Moore reveals that the drug game is dangerous, and more importantly, more than likely to ruin the futures of those involved.

Role Models and Growing Up

“They made it clear that they cared if I succeeded, and eventually so did I. The financial strain Valley Forge brought on my mother was lessened significantly after the first year, when the school gave me academic, and later athletic, scholarships.” Pg. 115

Wes Moore’s experience at the Valley Forge school clearly changed his outlook on life, displaying the importance of having proper role models throughout one’s life to gain guidance. Prior to military school, Wes had not thought or cared about the future, yet through the guidance of various classmates and teachers at Valley Forge, he began to care about his academics, excelling at what he did. Wes became notably more responsible and serious towards his life. This displays the major part of role models in lives of children, and how those who surround students have large impacts upon them and how they choose to live their lives. 

“ But I had to let this one go. I had to look at the bigger picture. My assailant was unknown, unnamed, and in a car. […] I thought about my mother and how she would feel if this escalated any further. I thought about my father and the name he chose for me.” Pg. 121

Although Wes does wish to seek revenge, he refrains from doing so, thinking of others before himself. This demonstrates both the facts that his parents were positive role models in his life, and the fact that he has begun to grow up. Realizing that revenge was not the correct way to go, Wes made a mature decision that many adults would be expected to do, and ensured the safety of himself and his friend. This demonstrates the development of a thought process. Further, Wes expresses his thoughts concerning what his parents would say to him. This demonstrates their positive influence on Wes and the importance of having positive role models. Those around us make us who we are, often making role models a determining factor in the lives of individuals. 

Wes Moore Characterization Sonnets

Wes #1

Day in day out a mother’s toil,

Turn’d from failure to a promising future,

Left out was one less life to spoil,

Into his hands, becometh Wes his life’s producer.

Deceased was his father but supportive were all,

Yet a balance to be made twix opposite worlds.

Pretends doth he to gain acceptance of all,

Calm composure speaketh with swagger to masketh world unfurled.

Landscape didst change to the Bronx whither new chapter starts,

Awaiting grandparents act towards Wes with love,

Methinks though figtheth with sisters love doth run between their hearts,

Box cut hair-doth and style imitant of rappers with fame above.

What seemeth an end ‘twas terminated by free will,

Thanks to those who surround him Wes’s doom impending doth he kill.

Wes #2

At ease the smile puteth all,

Yet replaced was innocence by vindictive visage,

Trusteth did he in blood as Tony beseeched: pursue thy enemy, redeem thy fall.

Dealith drugs did he, ‘twas neglected by all, indeed a troublesome collage.

An offensive line by which believeth all problems could he tackle,

Quoth he, retaliation of tongue and body sees no propriety to resist.

Admireth peers didst for daring actions yet fate peers’pon with a cackle,

Crude colloquy in place of eloquence doth exist.

Spirit a rapscallion neglectant of consequence,

Disgruntled and brought to naught were the kin of he,

Distressed were mother and brother, yet a father unwaivered hence,

Irreversible a bargain yonder he doth naught see.

Tragedy beith preventable misfortune,

Gravity of choices magnifiethed in proportion. 

Chapter 5

Absent Fathers and Fatherhood

“Wes’s nonexistent relationship with his father probably contributed to his seeming indifference about becoming a father himself. All he knew was his mom. He had no idea what his role would be in this new situation-he wasn’t even sure he had a role. Pg. 101

This quote demonstrates the huge effect those who surround us have on us. Although he never had a proper relationship with his father and barely knew him, Wes is greatly influenced by the actions of his father and how these actions greatly affected him. This reveals that having an absent father or being abandoned by a father can take a great toll on not only the childhood of a person, but also their future decisions and actions. Displayed above is the idea of a cycle of unfortunate events, wherein sons may follow their father’s example and pass on this example to their own sons.

“The idea of becoming a father depressed Wes, but he wasn’t sure why. […] But in some unspoken way, he did sense that he was crossing a point of no return, that things were about to get complicated in a way he was unequipped to handle.” Pg.100

The process of becoming a mother or father clearly changes the lives of individuals. Wes is shaken by the pregnancy of his girlfriend, and understands that having a child will greatly alter his life, whether or not he chooses to be active in the child’s life. This demonstrates the difficulty of parenthood and the fact that a degree of responsibility is required, as well as a prepared individual.

Love and Disappointment

“I tried to plead my case, but as it turned out, she had nothing to say. She simply pulled her right hand back and slapped me. The burn consumed the entire left side of my face. […] We didn’t know it at the time, but once alone, we both started to cry.” Pg 88

Devastated by her son’s actions, Joy Moore unleashes her rage, causing Wes to feel rightly ashamed of his actions. This quote not only demonstrates the way the characters felt at the time, but the amount of love they have for one another. Both privately despair over the events, Joy because she felt she was losing her son, and Wes because he had disappointed his mother. This shows that neither wished to let the other person down, and how genuine disappointment can crack a human being. Humans fear disappointing those that they love, and many strive to make those they love truly proud of their accomplishments.

Revenge

“Wes could only see red. He was blind with rage. Instincts kicked in. Tony’s words rang through his mind. Send a message.” Pg. 104

Wes’s only thought after being attacked was revenge. He grew up believing that revenge, and “sending a message” was the right course of action to take, and defending his honor and demonstrating strength was the only way to deal with such problems. This illustrates the blind nature of revenge, and the irrational way that humans act and behave when retaliation is the goal.

Life Choices

“These forks in the road can happen so fast for young boys; within months or even weeks, their journeys can take a decisive and possible irrevocable turn. With no intervention-or the wrong intervention- they can be lost forever.” Pg. 95

Wes Moore emphasizes the importance of the decisions we make throughout our lives, revealing that a single choice can alter the future, for the better or worse.  Moore also reveals that to an extent, people require help and guidance from others, who may be able to lead young children into better positions. 

Chapter 4

Life Choices

“ I guess it’s hard sometimes to distinguish between second chances and last chances.” Pg. 67

As explained by Wes Moore, it is never possible to determine when one might obtain another opportunity or chance. Second chances may be very rare; however, it is so easy to assume that another opportunity will come along. Nobody is sure as to what the future will hold, and it is evident that the two Wes Moores see that single decisions throughout the years have made their lives what they are today.  This reveals that nothing can be taken for granted, and decisions must be taken seriously as one could change a life for the better or worse.

“If you won’t listen, that’s on you. You have potential to do so much more, go so much further. You can lead a horse to water, buy you can’t make him drink, right?” Pg. 72

Wes’s older brother, Tony, emphasizes that Wes has the power to better his life if he simply stays on the right track. Tony is determined to make sure his younger brother does not make the same mistakes as he did, demonstrating the importance of the decisions these men were forced to make as young boys. It is evident that Tony regrets his decisions to become involved with drugs, as he constantly warns his brother not to do so, as it will ruin his future. As demonstrated, individuals can only be taken so far and given so many opportunities in life. At one point, people are left to make their own decisions, which will proceed to shape the rest of their lives.

“You kids are way too young to be in this situation. But you know what, I see kids like you here every day. If you don’t get smart, I am certain I will see you again. That’s the sad part.” Pg. 83

This particular quote demonstrates that life choices can completely alter the future. The police officer clearly does not take pride or feel better about arresting the young boys, only saddened by the fact that they have chosen to partake in criminal activities. Almost described as a circuit, the police officer, and to an extent the young boys, recognize that they will only to continue to get into trouble or ignore the law unless they change their actions. This quote emphasizes that the young boys have the ability to create brighter future for themselves, demonstrating the importance of the choices they make and the lessons they choose to take away from their experiences.

Role Models

“Wes wanted to be just like Tony. Tony wanted Wes to be nothing like him.”

This quote illustrates that no person can control who, or what another person looks up to or admires. Although Tony understands that Wes should not view him as a role model, Wes does so anyways, following in the similar footsteps of his brother, regardless to the warnings he received. Further, it is shown that those who surround a person will play a major role in shaping their character. The bond between families, and in this case brothers, may be very strong; however, blood ties do not guarantee a good role model who will be able to foster the healthy growth of another.

“She closed her eyes; her mid raced: who is to blame for this? Tony, the neighborhood, the school system, Wes’s friends? She put them all on trial in her mind.” Pg. 75

Wes’s mother seems to blame all the people surrounding Wes for his troubles, however, never evaluates herself and her role in Wes’s life. This demonstrates that many times individuals look for causes or reasons as to why events happen, looking to blame all others but themselves. This demonstrates that family relations do not always correlate with positive role models Wes’s mother hypothesizes and understands that others surrounding Wes may act as his role models and be the reason for the way he acts; however, does not consider herself in the equation. 

Title Justification Short Essay #1

"Fathers and Angels"

With absent fathers and various role models, the two Wes Moores have uniquely different lives as demonstrated in the novel The Other Wes Moore. The first section of Wes Moore’s The Other Wes Moore is entitled “Fathers and Angels,” which is appropriately named in regards to the author’s purpose and themes. Although the two Wes Moores have the same name, they were raised by different people, all of whom shaped the lives and futures of the two men.

The title “Fathers and Angels” aligns well with the author’s purpose as it explains the influence of the absent fathers on the lives of the two Wes’s, as well as details the impacts of “angels” or role models. A major difference between the two Wes Moores is the reasons why the have absent fathers, the “other” Wes emphasizing to the author, “Your father wasn‘t there because he couldn‘t be, my father wasn‘t there because he chose not to be. We‘re going to mourn their absence in different ways.” (Pg. 3) Both of these men have strong memories of their fathers, demonstrating the influence fathers have- particularly on young boys. By including the word “Fathers” in the title, Wes Moore is clearly aligning the importance of such figures on young boys. Further, the importance of role models in shaping the lives of the boys is shown, the author stating, “Young boys are more likely to believe in themselves if they know that there’s someone, somewhere, who shares that belief.” (Pg. 28) The author Wes was graced with a hard working mother who would do anything for her children, and two grandparents who opened their home to him. Conversely, the second Wes had his older “gangsta” brother who dealt drugs, and a mother with a stash of Marijuana in her closet. This clear difference in who each Wes had to look up to demonstrates the sheer power family members have on creating the people here today. Individuals are shaped by the people around them, and having metaphorical guardian angel in one’s life may make all the difference in creating a more positive one.

By entitling the section “Fathers and Angels” Wes Moore is able to convey his purpose of detailing the influence of family members on the two young boys. Such differences in the people that surrounded the two Wes Moores shows the prevalent impact of them, and the importance of role models. While one Wes’s father died, the other chose not to be present in his son’s life, which created different, more hostile feelings. The presence or absence of positive role models also played a difference in shaping the lives of the two Wes Moores, with the author having more positive influences in his life, and the “other” Wes having more negative role models. Wes Moore is able to illustrate that humans are molded by those who surround them, and the fathers and angels of his life and the other Wes’s life have clearly influenced their futures.